تاکید افغانستان و ترکمنستان بر گسترش همکاری‌های اقتصادی

Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, who traveled to Turkmenistan at the head of a delegation to participate in the 30th Turkmenistan International Oil and Gas Exhibition, has met and held talks with the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Vice Presidents of Turkmenistan in the sectors of energy, electricity, industry, commerce, and construction.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in this meeting, the two sides discussed the TAPI project, the removal of trade and transit obstacles, the establishment of a logistics center in Torghundi, organizing exhibitions, reducing transportation costs, and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said: “The Afghan side also proposed the expansion of diplomatic and technical relations to better utilize opportunities and eliminate existing barriers, the establishment of a logistics center and a special economic zone in Torghundi to attract regional transit opportunities.”

Turkmen officials also emphasized their continued comprehensive support for Afghanistan in various economic, transit, and energy sectors during this meeting.

Experts also believe that such trips could be part of Afghanistan’s efforts to expand economic relations with Central Asian countries and to accelerate major regional projects, including TAPI.

Shams Azimi, an economic affairs expert, said: “Recent trips can help speed up the implementation of major projects like TAPI, Torghundi–Herat, and the railway between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and provide people the opportunity to benefit from these advantages.”

Abdul Nasir Rashtia, another economic expert, said: “Since Turkmenistan is our neighboring country and is keen on expanding trade with Afghanistan, it wants to connect to South Asian countries through Afghanistan. Therefore, more investment and cooperation are needed in the transportation sector.”

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Turkmenistan International Oil and Gas Conference, held in Ashgabat with the participation of high-ranking officials, experts, and representatives of international companies, is considered an important opportunity for expanding economic and energy cooperation among regional countries.